Wedding Ring Guide: 10 Steps to Finding Your Perfect Ring

A wedding ring is more than just a piece of jewellery, it's a powerful symbol of eternal love, commitment, and shared future. With so much meaning behind it, choosing the right ring is a deeply personal decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. From wedding band styles to the perfect fit, here’s your step-by-step guide to finding a wedding ring that’s truly yours.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before you begin your search, determine how much you're comfortable spending. Setting a realistic budget early on will help narrow down your options and keep your search focused. Your budget will also influence decisions like your choice of metal, the complexity of the design, and whether or not to include diamonds or other embellishments. 

2. Choose the Right Metal

The metal you choose plays a major role in the look and practicality of your wedding ring. Before deciding, consider your daily lifestyle, skin sensitivity, and design preferences. Each metal offers unique characteristics in durability, colour, and maintenance. 

Platinum

Pros: Extremely durable for everyday wear. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin and allergies. The platinum’s cool white sheen enhances the sparkle of diamonds and offers a classic, elegant look.

Cons: Higher price point due to its rarity. It is also heavier on the finger because of its high density.

Yellow Gold

Pros: Yellow gold can be easily resized or repaired. It also provides a warm aesthetic when paired with coloured gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Cons: Yellow gold can be scratched and dented more easily than platinum or rose gold. It may also need to be cleaned and polished regularly to maintain its shine.

Rose Gold

Pros: Rose gold is known for its romantic, blush tone that flatters most skin tones and can be paired with various gemstones. Its copper content makes it more durable than yellow or white gold.

Cons: Can cause allergic reactions in those with copper sensitivity.

White Gold

Pros: White gold provides a sleek and modern appearance that complements various wedding ring styles, especially diamond wedding rings. It is also a more affordable option than platinum and can be a good choice for a variety of jewellery pieces, including engagement rings.

Cons: White gold rings need periodic polishing and professional cleaning to maintain their shine, and may need to be re-plated with rhodium to keep the silvery colour.

3. Pick a Style

Your wedding ring should reflect your individual style and the unique story you share with your partner. Whether you lean towards intricate details or timeless simplicity, explore the many ring band styles and types of wedding rings available.

Accent

Subtle diamonds or gemstones add sparkle without overwhelming the design. Ideal for those who want a hint of glamour while keeping the focus on simplicity.

Anniversary

Designed to commemorate milestones, these styles often feature multiple stones. They're a meaningful choice for symbolising shared years, each stone representing a moment in your journey.

Diamond

Perfect for added brilliance, with a variety of setting styles for every taste. Choose this style if you’re drawn to timeless elegance and eye-catching sparkle.

Patterned

Engraved or textured designs for a one-of-a-kind look. Best suited for those who appreciate artistic detail or want a more personalised touch.

Plain

Minimalist and timeless, a plain band is always in style. A great option if you prefer something low-maintenance and effortlessly classic.

Stackable

Made to be worn with other rings, offering versatility and personal expression. Perfect for mixing metals, styles, or adding symbolic bands over time.

Two-tone

Combines two metals for contrast and a unique, modern flair. This style is ideal for those who want a contemporary look that still matches a variety of jewellery.

4. Consider the Wedding Band Shape

The wedding ring shape or profile greatly affects how your ring looks and feels on the finger. Some wedding ring shapes offer more comfort, while others make a bold design statement.

Half-Round (Court)

Rounded inside and out for comfort and a classic silhouette. Ideal for those who want a traditional look with all-day wearability.

Flat

Sharp, clean edges and a modern, minimalist look. Best for those who prefer a contemporary aesthetic with defined lines.

Double Comfort Flat

Flat on the outside, curved on the inside for enhanced comfort. A great choice if you want a sleek appearance without sacrificing how the ring feels on your finger.

Flat Court

A combination of a flat profile with a rounded interior for wearability. Perfect for those who like the look of flat rings but need the ease of a contoured fit.

Oval Court

Softer and more domed than traditional court, offering a fuller appearance. Ideal if you want a comfortable ring with a bolder, more substantial feel.

D-Shape

Flat inside with a rounded outer surface—traditional and discreet. Well-suited for those who appreciate classic styling with a subtle profile.

Knife’s Edge

A bold, angular design that adds dimension and edge. Choose this if you're after a distinctive, statement-making ring with a modern twist.

5. Match Your Engagement Ring (or Don’t)

Traditionally, engagement and wedding rings are worn together on the same finger to symbolise unity, while others wear the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on the other. Many couples enjoy the harmonious look of matching ring styles, but it’s not a requirement. You can also choose contrasting designs that reflect your personal style.

For a cohesive look:

• Match the metal colour for unity.

• Choose complementary ring band widths.

• Consider contour or shaped bands for a flush fit with your engagement ring.

6. Think About Adding a Personal Touch

Make your ring uniquely yours with a custom engraving, whether it's a special date, initials, or a meaningful quote. At DX Diamonds, we offer a range of wedding band styles and personalisation options, from engraving to bespoke designs, so your ring tells your story in every detail.

7. Prioritise Comfort and Fit

Your wedding ring will be worn daily, so it needs to feel as good as it looks. Think about your lifestyle, whether you work with your hands, play instruments, or prefer a snug or looser fit. Need help finding your size? Visit our Ring Size Guide for step-by-step instructions.

8. Factor in Long-Term Maintenance and Care

Different metals require different levels of upkeep. For instance, white gold may need rhodium plating every few years, while platinum maintains its colour but can develop a patina.

To keep your ring looking its best:

• Clean it at home using warm water and mild soap.

• Bring it in for professional cleaning every 6–12 months.

9. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

Start shopping early, ideally 3 to 6 months before your wedding day. This allows time for browsing, resizing, or creating a custom design. Keep in mind that personalised and made-to-order rings often require additional time for crafting.

10. Choose a Certified Jeweller

When it comes to such a meaningful purchase, choose a jeweller you trust. DX Diamonds is proud to be a GIA-certified jeweller, ensuring every diamond meets the highest standards of quality. From your wedding to every anniversary after, we’re here to help you celebrate life’s most special moments.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a wedding ring. What matters most is what feels right for you and your partner. Whether classic or contemporary, engraved or minimalist, the perfect ring is the one that reflects your story and lasts a lifetime.

FAQs

1. What goes first: wedding ring or engagement ring?

Traditionally, the wedding ring is placed on the finger first, closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring.

2. Which finger is the wedding ring worn on?

In many cultures, it’s worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, commonly known as the ring finger.

3. Should my wedding ring match my engagement ring?

While matching rings can create a cohesive look, it’s entirely up to your personal preference. Some choose matching metals and styles for harmony, while others prefer contrast to highlight each ring’s uniqueness.

4. Is it OK to wear the wedding ring on the right hand?

Absolutely. While wearing the ring on the left hand is the more common tradition in many Western countries, many cultures, including some in Europe and Asia, wear wedding rings on the right hand. The choice is ultimately up to you and what reflects your personal preferences or cultural traditions.